The Memory Collective is a community-based initiative focused on building awareness, understanding, and practical approaches that support the participation, dignity, autonomy, and belonging of people living with cognitive challenges. Through greater awareness, shared learning, and community engagement, the initiative aims to create more inclusive and welcoming environments where people can remain connected, involved, and valued.
UBC’s Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia and Brock House Society are exploring ways to bring this vision to life through two initiatives: awareness training for volunteer convenors (program leaders) and the introduction of a Memory Café - a welcoming, participatory space where people from different backgrounds can come together, connect, share experiences, and build community in support of people living with cognitive challenges.
As Brock House Society considers how best to develop and implement these initiatives, we recognize the value of learning from organizations and individuals who have already undertaken memory-friendly or dementia-friendly work.
To support this learning, we are hosting a panel discussion on November 25 from 9:30 to 11:30 am, bringing together representatives with experience in this area to share their knowledge and insights with Brock House members and volunteer convenors.
Our panelists will include:
- Danna Garcia-Wigueras, Executive Director, Granville Seniors Centre.
- Faryar Mohammadi and Farhad Farhangfar, Dementia Co-Creation Academy.
- Braelyn Dillon, Caregiver Connector, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House.
Panelists will be invited to reflect on their experiences, share practical approaches and lessons learned, discuss what has worked well, and consider what they might do differently. The discussion will provide an opportunity to explore the successes and challenges of creating more inclusive, supportive, and dementia-friendly community spaces. Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.
Our goal is to learn from these established initiatives, exchange ideas, and gather practical insights that can help shape the Memory Collective at Brock House Society. Ultimately, we hope this work will support a community where members living with cognitive challenges feel welcomed, respected, connected, and able to participate in the activities and social life at Brock House Society.